MSABTA vs. Traditional M.S. in Accounting: Which Degree Fits Your Career Plan?
According to the , 124,200 openings for accountants and auditors are projected for each year through 2034, so demand for accountants is high and growing. 糖心破解版 offers two master鈥檚 degrees in accounting, and how you choose depends on the kind of accounting career you want to pursue.
Same Department, Different Degrees: What Each Program Actually Prepares You For
Both the Master of Science in Accounting, Business, Technology and Analytics (MSABTA) and the M.S. in Accounting (MSA) are 30-credit-hour programs offered through our AACSB-accredited Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. They stem from the same core, sharing the same four base accounting courses and ethics capstone that prepare you for the world of accounting. Where they differ is the path which follows the core accounting courses.
| MSA | MSABTA | |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Core | Same courses | Same courses |
| Remaining Credits | Electives you choose (fraud exam, IT audit, tax research, finance) | Required tech: business analytics, machine learning, database analytics, AI and digital innovation |
| What It Builds | A customizable accounting path | Accounting plus a hard analytics and technology skill set |
| Best For | Traditional accounting roles and certifications | Analytics, technology, and AI-forward roles |
The MSA allows you to personalize your experience with the electives that best suit your interests, while the master鈥檚 in accounting and data analytics uses that extra time in your schedule to strengthen your data skills. When you look at the M.S. in Accounting vs. the MSABTA, the difference comes down to how you spend those remaining credits. While these key differentiating features matter, the question on everyone鈥檚 mind is usually the CPA.
The CPA Question: How Each Degree Fits Your Licensure Plan
The MSA and MSABTA both prepare you for the CPA exam, but the paths to get there are different. The traditional M.S. in Accounting is a more direct route, offering Becker CPA exam review built into the coursework with the assumption that students intend to take the exam once they graduate.
The CPA exam is also adapting to modern accounting through the Core + Discipline model. This format requires candidates to take three standard core sections, plus one discipline section of their choice. The offered discipline sections are:
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
- Information Systems and Control (ISC)
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
An accounting analytics degree will equip you with the skills needed to take on the BAR discipline section, while your choice of electives and additional study would help you decide on a discipline section in the traditional MSA. CPA aside, the next question is where accounting is going, and if you want to follow it.
Where Accounting Is Going
The demand for accountants with a background in analytics is growing as more routine work gets automated. Tasks like data entry, reconciliation, and classification are increasingly handled by AI and computer programs, shifting the focus of skilled professionals toward analysis and advising.
Being able to understand automation, business technology, and analytics gives you a leg up as automation advances. Which path is right for you comes down to where you want to go and how you want to fit into the industry in the future.
Which Degree Fits Your Future: A Decision Framework
Knowing you are interested in accounting is a great first step toward choosing the master鈥檚 degree that is right for you. Now that you have insights on the similarities and differences between the MSA and MSABTA programs, here is a quick framework to help you navigate your options.
| Choose the MSA if you鈥 | Choose the MSABTA if you鈥 |
|---|---|
| 鉁 Want a flexible accounting path | 鉁 Want analytics and technology built in |
| 鉁 Are aiming straight at the CPA and traditional roles (audit, tax, controllership) | 鉁 Are aiming for your CPA and/or analytics-forward or financial-systems roles |
| 鉁 Want to customize electives | 鉁 Want the data skill set the profession is moving toward |
Working accountants looking to pivot, career-changers, and recent graduates will all find a program that prepares them for the next chapter. There is no wrong choice, just one that is a better fit for you and your career goals. To learn more about each program, visit our MSA and MSABTA pages, or contact us to reach a 糖心破解版 State advisor who can help you explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a master鈥檚 in accounting worth it?
Yes, a master鈥檚 in accounting is worth the time, effort, and money you will put into it. The program helps you prepare for the CPA exam, making you eligible for a broader range of positions in the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors earned a median salary of $81,680 per year as of May 2024, which will put you in a comfortable financial position.
What can you do with a master鈥檚 in accounting?
A master鈥檚 in accounting prepares you for roles such as accountant, auditor, budget analyst, and financial or investment analyst, among others.
Do I need an accounting background to apply to the MSABTA?
No, you do not need an accounting background to apply to the master鈥檚 in accounting and data analytics program. Recent graduates and career-changers alike can apply, and the program is designed to help you enter the accounting industry no matter what field you are coming from.
Can I complete the MSABTA fully online?
Yes. The MSABTA can be completed online or in a hybrid, mostly online format.